Symphonic Cinema

James Gardin is a musician who’s been around the block…a few times. With a 20-year career under his belt, this Lansing, Michigan native has seen it all – from playing to empty bars to performing with big-name artists like Bryce Vine, Jack Harlow, KING, MURS, Macklemore, and Quinn XCII. Gardin’s music has been featured on TV shows and films like ESPN’s ” First Take , CW’s “All American,” ,”Queen Sugar,” Bloom, and “Block Party,” proving that he’s not just a one-hit wonder. And if that’s not impressive enough, he’s also had his tunes played on Hot97 – you know, the radio station that’s heard by more people than a screaming toddler in a quiet restaurant. But what really sets James Gardin apart is his niche. He creates empowering, encouraging music for TV, film, and fans alike, all while using faith as a sonic/lyrical foundation. If you’re looking for a musician who’s got talent, heart, and a sense of humor (because let’s face it, he’s got to have one to have lasted this long in the industry), then look no further than James Gardin.

Hailing from Miami, Tim Blackmon Jr. started his musical journey by picking up the trumpet at the age of 11. Welcomed into the thriving music community of South Florida, Blackmon began gigging locally while attending Dillard School of the Arts in Fort Lauderdale, under the direction of famed jazz educator Christopher Dorsey.

Shortly after graduation, Blackmon continued his studies by enrolling into the Jazz Studies program at the Florida State University College of Music in Tallahassee. While completing a B.A. in Music (2013) from FSU, Blackmon began his relationship with band leader/mentor Marcus Roberts, the genius of modern jazz piano. Upon graduation, Blackmon began his professional performance and educational career with Roberts and his multi-generational group, The Modern Jazz Generation. Through the engagements of this ensemble, Blackmon has had the privilege of traveling and performing throughout the United States and Europe with The Modern Jazz Generation (MJG).

After settling briefly in New Orleans, Blackmon received a gracious invitation to start his graduate work at Michigan State University under the tutelage of trumpeter Etienne Charles and Distinguished Professor of Jazz Studies Rodney Whitaker. Blackmon earned his M.M. in Jazz Studies (2019) and currently holds a position as the Applied Instructor of Jazz Trumpet at Oakland University.

As an educator and artist-in-residence, Blackmon has taught masterclasses at the Florida State University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, University of Alabama (Birmingham), University of Vermont and The Royal Conservatory in Toronto, Canada. As a performer, Blackmon is a member of The Modern Jazz Generation led by Marcus Roberts, a member of The Rodney Whitaker Sextet, a member of The Springfield Symphony Jazz Orchestra, and as a Geri Allen fellow and member of the Gathering Orchestra of Detroit. He has also appeared alongside a diverse list of great artists such as Parliament-Funkadelic, Joan Rivers and Savion Glover.